Tag Archives: snow

One of the really cool things about living in Southern Oregon is that we are so lucky to have such a wonderful creamery located right here in the Rogue Valley. It’s called the Rogue Creamery and in my opinion, the Rogue Creamery is home to some of the BEST blue cheese I have ever tasted. Ever… The Rogue Creamery makes at least 8 different delicious varieties of award winning blue cheese and several amazing types of cheddar as well. They’re all absolutely delicious!

Crater Lake Blue Cheese

My Crater Lake Blue Cheese Salad Dressing was inspired by a day trip to Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake National Park is the only national park in the state of Oregon and one of the most cherished National Parks in the United States. It’s about 90 miles from Rogue Valley and 250 miles from Portland. Crater Lake is famous for its gorgeous blue water, breath taking scenery and the fact that it is one of the world’s deepest lakes. In the summer months, tourists from all over the United States and the world flock to this destination. In the winter months, only a fraction of the tourists come to visit due to the cold winter weather and icy road conditions. There’s a visitor center, lodge, restaurant and gift shop.

The West Entrance to Crater Lake National Park. The other entrances to the park are closed during the winter months. The West Entrance is the only entrance open for access to the lake because maintaining the roads in winter is incredibly difficult. Difficult because Crater Lake National Park gets on average of over 44 feet of snow accumulation per year! Grab a tape measure and see just how much that is… You’ll find that it is a heck of a lot of snow!

Before Bruce and I arrived at the West Entrance of the park, I asked him how much money we needed to pay for the admission. Well… Within minutes, I received my answer. Surprisingly, the day we were there was free. As you can see, there was no park ranger in the booth to take our money and there was a sign on the side of the booth that stated there was no cost for admission. Crater Lake Lodge was closed for the season and the restaurant and gift shop was operating under “winter hours”. Before scheduling a visit be sure to check the park fees, hours and rates on their website. Also, if you plan to visit during the winter months, be sure to have chains on hand or studded snow tires on your vehicle.

One more foot of snow and we would not have known that we were in a no parking zone.

Our first peek over the rim at Crater Lake in the winter. Bruce and I had to climb over 10 foot snow banks in the parking lot just to get a view of the lake. Once over the top, the view was breathtaking!

Do you see the thin layer of ice covering the lake? In the summer months, the ice is gone and the water is a brilliant blue color that you would not easily forget. The snow covered peak in the background is Mount Thielson.

A view of the lake next to the lodge. We were really careful not to get too close to the edge. It’s crazy steep and trying to get close to the lake is not worth slipping into the caldera below.

A view looking down at the icy blue water. When I shot this photo, it looked as if I was pointing the lens up towards the sky.

An easterly view of the lake. In the summer months you can drive around the entire rim of the lake. Given the opportunity, you’ll find that it is one of the most visually stunning day trip drives that you will ever take in your life.

Wizard Island. Wizard Island is a cinder cone that rises several hundred feet above the lake. It is one of the most memorable features of Crater Lake. If you ever have the chance to visit Oregon, trust me, you must schedule a visit to Crater Lake.

This last week was one of the busiest work weeks that I have had in a while… It was so brutally busy that by the end of the week, Bruce and I decided to book a cabin at Union Creek Resort for a mini vacation over the weekend. Union Creek Resort is located in the Southern Oregon Cascade Mountains approximately 70 miles from our home and only 21 miles from Crater Lake National Park. Union Creek Resort is a charming 1900’s era lodge with cabins for rent and miles of hiking trails all around. Beckie’s restaurant is a short walk across the road and is known for their delicious homemade huckleberry pies. At Union Creek Resort, there’s no cell phone coverage, no cable television in the rooms and definitely no internet. No nothing, except for peace and quiet… And, that was precisely why we were there. To unplug and to unwind after a crazy busy work week…

The lodge and country store at Union Creek.

The rental cabins appeared rustic and rough on the outside but, they were nicely updated and clean on the inside. We found the resort staff polite and courteous. We would definitely stay there again.

The old Do Not Disturb sign was pretty cool… So was the antiquated key hole and knob on the front door. Not to worry, there was a sturdy “modern” brass lock on the door above…

Early in the morning, we rented snow shoes at the lodge. This was the first time that Bruce and I ever tried snowshoeing before. The skies were clear and the air was cold and crisp. We knew that we were going to have a wonderful time.

A view from the middle of the footbridge over Union Creek. The water was icy and cold from the snow melt. In the warm summer months, you can fish for rainbow and brook trout.

Bruce and I trekked along Union Creek and through the forest on our way to the Rogue River. There was about 2 to 3 feet of snow on the ground and bit more under the trees. While making our way through the woods I made the mistake of tripping over my snowshoes and falling flat on my face in the powdery snow. Note to self… Be careful how you step in the shoes and be sure to not to fall into deep powder snow without poles. Once down, I quickly learned that you can’t push yourself up very easily. Every time I put my hand down on the snow to get my balance, I sank deeper. I yelled and Bruce had to turn back around and help me my get back upright. It was embarrassing and fortunately nobody else was in the woods that morning to witness the event.

When snowshoeing on the unbroken marked trail, we always looked for the blue diamond markers nailed on the sides of the trees. In the summer months, following the trail is really easy. Winter is a completely different story. You can’t see the trail and it’s easy to trip over logs and branches if you happen to veer off.

We finally reached the Rogue River… During the summer, Bruce and I like to take our tent trailer and camp along the bank. It’s such a quiet, peaceful and beautiful place. Yet another reason why I love living in Oregon.

After reaching the bank of the Rogue River it was time to start our trek back to the cabin. The snow was light, fluffy and sparkled in the morning sun. I was extremely careful to make sure that I did not trip over my snowshoes on the way back. I did not want to do an embarrassing “face plant” again. By the time we got back to the cabin we both agreed that we would like to do this again soon. Snowshoeing is a fun way to explore the forest and to get a great winter workout.

One delicious way to warm up after spending a day in the snow is to make Fireball Hot Chocolate. Fireball Hot Chocolate is a wonderful blend of homemade hot chocolate (you can use instant hot chocolate packets if you like) and cinnamon flavored whisky. It’s easy, delicious and is a perfect beverage after spending a day snowshoeing. Makes one serving. Enjoy! Tessa

Begin by preparing the hot chocolate. In a mug, add cocoa powder, sugar and salt. In a microwave safe bowl, heat milk in microwave 1 to 2 minutes or until hot. Add the hot milk mixture to the mug and stir. Add the Fireball cinnamon flavored whisky to the mug and stir again. Top with whip cream and garnish with chocolate sprinkles and a cinnamon stick. Makes 1 serving.

I love living in Southern Oregon. One of my favorite things to do during the winter months is to visit the Cascade Mountains. This year our family and friends stayed in some cabins up at Hyatt Lake over the weekend. Hyatt Lake is about an hour drive from our home but in snowy weather, it may take twice as long. There was at least 3 feet of fluffy snow on the ground and the temperature was a bone chilling 16 degrees. The only way we could get up to our cabins was with four wheel drive pickup trucks for there was nearly 10 miles of narrow snow packed roads.

A view up towards the summit.

Along the edge of Hyatt Lake. The lake was frozen over. During the summer months, Hyatt Lake is known for its wonderful trout fishing and camping.

A view across the lake. The ice on the lake was only a few inches thick and covered with snow. We would not dare walk out onto the lake for it was too risky and dangerous.

Sunset in the forest. It was eerily quiet. The only noise that we heard was the snow dropping off the branches of the trees. There were no birds, squirrels or any signs of wildlife. The birds either migrated south or are spending the winter in the valley below. Other animals such as black bear, skunks and squirrels are hibernating in their dens. Deer, cougars and elk generally find their way down to the warmer lower elevations during the cold winter months.

A view from the top of the mountain. You can see the ski resort at Mount Ashland in the background.

Snow covered Chinquapin Mountain. In late spring, when the snow has melted, Chinquapin Mountain is one of my favorite places to hunt for Morel mushrooms. When I get some mushrooms this year, I’ll be sure to post some delicious Morel mushroom recipes.

After spending a cold day in the snow, my Chicken Lentil Soup is a perfect way to warm up. My Chicken Lentil Soup is made with locally grown organic green Laird Lentils, carrots, onions, celery, chunks of tender chicken and flavored with my homemade Garam Masala Spice Blend. It’s easy to make, tastes delicious, and as an added bonus, it’s really good for you too! Enjoy! Tessa